Paradox of Oil Wealth in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria: How Sustainable is it for National Development?

Imobighe M. D.

Abstract

This paper draws attention to the paradox of oil wealth in the Niger Delta. It is noted that the area produces the largest proportion of the Nation’s foreign exchange; there is no much of the transformational effects generated by the oil in these areas. The region has been saddled with environmental pollution originating from seismic surveys, canalization, poor waste disposal, oil spillage and gas flaring, with serious damage to aquatic life, agriculture and human health. The resultant effect is extreme poverty without the provision of basic infrastructure. The paper concludes that host communities should be seen as co-partners with government as in the production of oil and proceeds from it so as to create a conducive and enabling environment. The government is also encouraged to alter the unfair measure allocation formula to favor the oil producing states. Through this, rural urban poverty will be alleviated if basic human rights to life, liberty and property are guaranteed.

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